Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-02-17
CLEvELAND'S PENSION VETO.
A LIVELY DISCUSSION

CLEF ELANDO 1ENSlON NElO.
LIVELY DISCUSSION.
A resolution in regard TO an universal
service pension and critlcising former
action of national encampments, was
read, substantially committing the state
encampment to the bill lately vetoed by
President Cleveland. The sentiment,
however, failed to be obtained by vote
1t excited good deal of discussion and
was finally deferred
General Rowett and State Auditor
Swigert, sub committee on resolutions,
reported in favor of the dependent sol
diers' bill. notwithstanding the presidents
veto, his argument being uasound and
unit enable Comrade John L. Bennett,
of Chicago, several years adiutant
general of this department, made
historical and statistical speech.
Though strictly parliamentary and
frank in statement his reply to the
presidents veto was severe and. in
certain passages. very bitter. He was
listened to with great courtesy. Upon
the platform were such well known dem
Gratis rs Col. Wesford Taggart. of Tuscola,
DR.. George A. Wilson. collector of the
Peoria and Andrew WEIGH collector OF
the Chicago districts. United States Mar
shall Fred Marsh. of this district, Colonel
Phocion Howard of Danville. The
debate, be it understood, was in no sense
political one, Pending action, Com.
handkerchief
LUCIUs FkIRCHILD
was introduced and received with grand
honors. His address was brief but feel
ingly tribute to old and helpless com.
rades, His empty left sleeve pinned up
to the shoulder, was his insignia of rank
and duty.
Comrade O'Donnell, of Chicago. re
piled to Comrsde Bennett. maintaining
that the resolutions were an unjust re.
fiection upon the commander.in-chie of
the army and navy, and therefore unbe-
coming true soldier.
Comrade Westfall moved the previous
question, but was yelled down Com
rade DR.. George A. Wilson, OF
Peoria, made grand speech. He would go
as far as any one in pensioning veterans,
but the line must be drawn somewhere,
and he couscientiously believed the presi>
dent was right
Commander>jn Chief Fsirchild then
read and explained his late circular, No
4. The circular only asked that com.
rades everywhere communicate with theil
congressman as to whether they favored
the dependent pension bill or were op.
posed to it, There certainly would be nc
politics in this suggestion
General &" Dick Rowett one of ths
heroes of Alstoona Pass. threw
oil on the troubled waters by COM
plimentng his democratic friend O'Don
| nell, whom he had commanded for near,
four years. Humorously, Dick" wanted
to know why Cleveland didn't put himsel
in line as We had done. 50 that he, him.
self. might not only be president hui
commsnder-ir- chief
Colonel Phoc ion How ard Clevelan,
stsid at home TO take care Of his brothel
Jim Blaine. laughter
For half an hony General Rowett con
tinued to address the encanpment. an
was interrupted repeatedly by applause
Rev DR.. Larig, Universslist ministe
of Joliet. delivered an Grafton. full 0
patriotism, scholarship and sentiment
OF course he opposed the veto
| Dr. Wilson's motion 10 refer to loca
posts was lost. The resolution was theI
adopted
AFTERNOON SESSION.
At ? O'Clock. Notwithstanding the rait
fell in torrents, the old vets all reportet
for dutY-a good many somewhat disfg
ured but still in line. Major John !